Rising to the Challenges of Higher Education
- DateThursday, 17 September 2026 (09:00 - 17:00) (UK)
- LocationUniversity House, 116 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TY
Building on insights gathered from previous conferences and feedback from our learning and teaching community, the 6th Birmingham Business School Education Conference will explore how higher education can respond to an increasingly dynamic and complex landscape through four key themes:
- Transformative impact of digitalisation and AI on teaching, learning and assessment
- Inclusive, responsible and impact driven Higher Education
- University, industry and the future of work
- Emerging challenges and diverse perspectives in Higher Education
We are delighted by the excellent response to our Call for Papers and would like to thank everyone who submitted an abstract. The conference programme is now being finalised and will showcase a wide range of innovative practice, research, case studies and collaborative discussions from colleagues across Birmingham Business School and partner institutions.
The full conference programme will be published shortly and will include a diverse range of papers, workshops, and a professional services showcase, all designed to inspire new ideas, encourage collaboration and share best practice in business education.
Registration is now open. We warmly invite colleagues from Birmingham Business School, the University of Birmingham and our neighbouring institutions to join us for what promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking day.
The registration deadline is Tuesday 25 August 2026. Please register using the link below to secure your place.
Birmingham Business School Education Conference 2026 – Fill in form
As higher education continues to evolve in response to technological change, shifting student expectations, sustainability challenges and the future of work, this conference provides an opportunity to come together as a community to exchange ideas, celebrate innovation and shape the future of business education.
We look forward to welcoming you to University House, University of Birmingham, on Thursday 17 September 2026.
Conference themes
Conference themes
Track 1: Transformative Teaching, Learning and Assessment
How must teaching, curriculum design, and assessment evolve to meet the changing realities of higher education?
Topics may include curriculum redesign, assessment in the age of AI, academic integrity, technology-enhanced learning, inclusive assessment design, learning analytics, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovative feedback practices.
Track 2: Student Success, Belonging, and Inclusive Higher Education
How can institutions foster equitable, supportive, and high-performing learning environments?
Topics may include equity and inclusion, intersectionality, wellbeing and mental health, student engagement and belonging, international education contexts, accessibility, personal tutoring models, and student partnership initiatives.
Track 3: Universities, Industry, and the Future of Work
How can higher education respond strategically to labour market transformation and societal change?
Topics may include employability, work-integrated learning, professional accreditation, micro-credentials, skills-based education, AI literacy, entrepreneurship education, and industry collaboration.
Track 4: Responsible Business, Sustainability, and Education for Societal Impact
What is the role of higher education in advancing responsible leadership, sustainability, and ethical governance?
Topics may include embedding ESG in curricula, responsible AI governance, climate education, net-zero initiatives, ethics education, PRME-aligned practices, community engagement, and social impact measurement.
Recognising the importance of diverse perspectives, the 2026 organising committee continues to bring together academic staff and professional services colleagues, fostering enriched dialogue, shared practice and strengthened community connections through networking and collaborative learning opportunities. The conference also welcomes colleagues from universities across the West Midlands and beyond, helping to further develop a strong and connected regional education network.
Conference schedule
Our conference schedule is now available for download.
Key speakers
Emma Neale, Senior Teaching Fellow, Aston University
Sarah Horton-Walsh, Head of the School of Marketing and Management, Coventry University
Venue and Accommodation
Venue and Accommodation
The Education Conference 2026 will be held at Birmingham Business School, University House.
For those not familiar with University House, please see the campus map for reference. The address is 116 Edgbaston Park Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TY.
The university has an onsite hotel, Edgbaston Park hotel and Conference Centre, with over 180 bedrooms or serviced apartments. Booking details can be found via their website. Located across the road from the main hotel, is Peter Scott House, which offers 37 ensuite twin and double rooms and breakfast served at the main hotel. Bookings can be made via their website or through the usual hotel booking sites via an internet search.
Both Edgbaston Park hotel and Peter Scott are a short walk (less than 10 minutes) away from University House, where the Future Food Symposium will be held.
Alternatively, you may wish to stay in the local area, those that are in walking distance to campus include:
There is plenty of accommodation in Birmingham City Centre, which just over 2 miles away from campus and a short 10–15-minute taxi ride.
- Premier Inn at Birmingham By New Street Station
- Holiday Inn Smallbrook Queensway By New Street Station
- Ibis Birmingham
Travelling to campus
Travelling to campus
Our Edgbaston campus is served by its own railway station, University. Providing a high-frequency service to and from Birmingham New Street in just seven minutes. Whether you’re travelling by public transport, car, bike, or air, please refer to the University Maps and Directions page.